It’s hard to believe that Fall is here already. Especially round these parts where cool weather feels like it’ll never come. To kick start this wonderful season of holidays, cinnamon smelling things, pumpkin everything, sweaters, boots and more, I thought we’d have a little challenge.

Wearing a blouse or shirt over a dress is a great way to not only add layers, but it’s also a perfect way to mix textures and/or patterns. Plus, it might help you get out a fashion rut or find a new use for some articles of clothing you’ve had hanging in your closet for a long time.

I want you to put together an outfit with a blouse, shirt or vest over a dress over the next two weeks and email me a picture of your lovely self at thegirlwiththesmileblog@gmail.com. If you’re okay with me sharing your creation, I’ll be posting readers awesome outfits on Friday, October 3rd, 2014. If you’d like, you could also take a pic and post it on instagram and hashtag it #blouseoverdresschallenge.

I turn 33 today and I am determined to make this an amazing year. I’m going to focus on being healthy, getting in shape and spending as much time as possible with my boys. I met someone the other week and after talking to her, I guessed that she was five or so years older than myself. It come up in conversation that she was only a year younger than me! That same day, my coworker (who is 25) was mistaken for an 8th grader! Age is only a number and after you turn 20, I think it’s hard to determine really how old someone is. All this to say, have a youthful mindset, take care of yourself and be happy because that makes the biggest difference in how old you look. 🙂

I started school last week and so far I have been able to be dressed every single day (Hurray for no nakedness!). My oldest started kindergarten on Monday. He’s been in preschool for the past two years, so I didn’t think it’d be that hard, but I’m not gonna lie, I shed a few tears after I dropped him off. We also have been making decisions about AM or PM kindergarten and preschool placement for my middle son and as a naturally decisive person, I am totally waffling! Is this normal?! Why are these decisions so hard to make?! I think I am placing too much emphasis on the gigantic future impact it will make on their lives, but as a first-time elementary parent, I am struggling. (Experienced parents, you can laugh at me now.)

I am OBSESSED with cookie butter. I will eat it by the spoonful: original, crunchy or mixed with chocolate. If you haven’t discovered the beauty that is cookie butter, I suggest you track down your nearest Trader Joe’s and drive (even if it is two hours away) and buy it immediately! If I was in some sort of situation that I had to choose my last meal, I would 100% for sure include cookie butter in one way or another. What would you request for your last meal? Don’t think about the possible execution part that would gruesomely follow, just the delicious food that you could consume beforehand.

This week I had the opportunity to attend a Noonday Collection trunk show at the lovely Nicole’s house (check out her awesome blog here). I didn’t know anything about the company before, but I am overwhelmed at the amazing impact they make on the world and poverty. Here are some facts that stood out to me:

-Noonday hires artisans from all over the world to make their products.

-Because of this partnership, the artisans are paid a “living wage” (enough to support their families, pay for education, healthcare, etc.).

-Purchasing this jewelry empowers people and their communities and allows them to create business opportunities.

-Noonday supports adoption and orphan care and if you are in the process of adopting and host a trunk show, 10% of your show sales will go towards your adoption.

Plus their jewelry is GORGEOUS! Here are some of the things I got to try on:

I loved the gold earrings I’m wearing in that picture of me, plus there are so many other items in their catalog that are calling my name. Check out their website and all their products here.

I plan on hosting a trunk show this coming December, so let me know if you’d be interested in coming.